Modern Wedding Traditions To Work Into Your Big Day

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In the past, weddings tended to follow a very cookie-cutter formula incorporating time-honoured traditions sometimes simply because everyone else did. These days, weddings have become far more original. So, why not incorporate some modern wedding traditions that you love? Or better yet: Invent some of your own!

Of course, we would never suggest throwing out all customary wedding traditions; instead we recommend including the ones that actually have meaning to you and your loved ones while spicing things up with some new ones as well. If you’re stuck for ideas, start with thinking of classic traditions that you like or dislike. Love the sentiment of cake cutting, but squirm at the thought of smashing it into each other’s faces? Opt for a different dessert or food to share such as a macaron or croquembouche tower that can be shared with less mess. Want to get your guests more involved in your vows? Opt for a pre-ceremony ring-warming where bands are passed between guests for informal blessings.

Pick new traditions that mean something to you both and you’ll quickly find out that most of guests won’t miss any of the retired ones. Here are a few modern wedding traditions that we’re currently loving.

<strong>First Look</strong><br />
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It used to be considered bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the ceremony. These days, more brides are embracing '"first look" photography. Couples will meet privately with their photographers before their "I dos" to capture on film the bride and groom's priceless reactions to seeing each for the first time. The benefit of this is that it gives couples their own space and time to truly appreciate the moment. <br />
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Photo via <a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/photo-of-the-day/first-look-with-wedding-party" target="_blank">Bridal Guide</a>.

<strong>Ring-Warming Ceremonies</strong><br />
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A ring-warming ceremony includes the passing of the two wedding bands among guests and having them bless the rings with loving thoughts and well wishes. Ring-warming ceremonies are slowly taking the place of such traditions like the lighting of the unity candle and pouring of sands into one vase. Many couples prefer the ring-warming because it includes all friends and family as part of the ceremony.<br />
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Photo via <a href="http://beethebuzzevent.com/ring-warming-ceremony/" target="_blank">Bee the Buzz Event</a>.

<strong>Long Engagements</strong><br />
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Gone are the days of the 12-month engagement. Many couples now are investing more time into planning their personalized nuptials. It is no longer uncommon to encounter a couple with an engagement of two years thanks to the boom of inspirational websites and blogs. Brides are requiring more time to execute their exact wedding visions.<br />
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Photo via <a href="http://www.onewed.com/photos/show/unique-wedding-save-the-dates-calendar-design-invitations-on-etsy-yellow-gray" target="_blank">One Wed</a>.

<strong>Social Media Hashtags</strong><br />
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Including social media hashtags is fast becoming a favourite new traditon. Much like the old idea of including disposable cameras on each table, enabling social media for your wedding day allows you to see every angle of your wedding and gets your guests involved.<br />
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Photo via <a href="http://itsyourpartysc.blogspot.ca/2013/05/wedding-day-signs.html" target="_blank">It's Your Party</a>.

<strong>Modern Veils</strong><br />
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The wearing of a traditional veil seems to have several different origins -- from keeping evil away to concealing the bride. We're finding many brides are eliminating the face-covering veil altogether in favour of stylish headpieces that best accessorize their updos.<br />
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Photo via <a href="http://www.wedshare.com/blog/2009/08/17/birdcage-veils-vintage-glamour-meets-modern-chic-921.html" target="_blank">Wed Share</a>.

<strong>Brunch Weddings</strong><br />
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Savvy brides are loving the contemporary idea of having a wedding brunch instead of a dinner. Intended for a more casual bride, brunch weddings are perfect for gatherings of an intimate size and are usually significantly cheaper than having a full seated dinner reception. <br />
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Photo via <a href="http://www.caplanmiller.com/blog/2012/03/page/3/" target="_blank">Caplan Miller</a>.

<strong>Honeymoon Registries</strong><br />
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Honeymoon registries are becoming a popular choice for couples who don't need the typical china and tea towels. Since many couples today already establish a home together before the big day, most have no use for standard registries. Set up a honeymoon registry, on the other hand, and guests can choose contribute to fun items like spa treatments and hotel room upgrades.<br />
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Photo via <a href="http://ruffledblog.com/travelers-joy-sponsored-post/" target="_blank">Ruffled</a>.